Ex-Gillingham and Maidstone United midfielder Stuart Lewis fulfilling his ambition of coaching in the Premier League after leaving Tottenham Hotspur academy job to join Ipswich Town as first-team coach

Former Gillingham and Maidstone midfielder Stuart Lewis says he is fulfilling his ambition of coaching in the Premier League after leaving an academy role at Tottenham.

Lewis, 38, has joined top-flight new boys Ipswich Town as first-team coach under manager Gary O’Neil.

He spent 11 years on the staff at boyhood club Spurs, enjoying Under-17 and Under-18 Premier League Cup successes and progressing to the role of first-team academy transition coach.

Lewis, who also played for Ebbsfleet and Dover during his time in Kent football, told Spurs’ website: “Having supported Tottenham Hotspur since I was five years old and previously represented the club as a young professional, it was a privilege to come back and help develop the next generation of players.”

He added: “I would like to thank everyone at the club for their support and for allowing me to pursue this fantastic opportunity at Ipswich Town, which enables me to fulfil my ambition of coaching in the Premier League.

“I leave with immense pride, gratitude and lifelong memories, and I wish everyone connected with Tottenham Hotspur every success in the future.”

Lewis has linked up with his new club in La Manga, where Ipswich are preparing for their Premier League return following promotion as Championship runners-up.

He joins a new management team at Portman Road, with ex-Bournemouth and Wolves boss O’Neil succeeding Kieran McKenna, who quit at the end of last season to take a break from football.

“We’re delighted to add Stuart to the coaching staff this summer,” O’Neil told the Ipswich website.

“He is a young coach who already has a good range of experience and is highly regarded, both at Tottenham and within the game, and is an important addition to our team. We are